February: On Life

February 13

Today's reflection was inspired by a quote from Derek Walcott's Nobel lecture, "The Antilles: Fragments of Epic Memory."

We take so much for granted--family, friends, jobs, culture, even our lives. But it can all be broken in an instant. 

And when this happens, we are left with a choice: leave it where it lands to rot and return to the dirt, or pick up the pieces and glue it back together with love, ensuring we no longer will take it for granted.

What is broken in your life that is worth fixing?

• Reflection title: Can You Fix It?
• Creative inspiration: Derek Walcott, "The Antilles: Fragments of Epic Memory"
• Reflection Question: What in my life have I lost that I must find, what has been broken that I must rebuild?  

February: On Life

February 12

Today's reflection was inspired by a quote from Wendell Berry's poem "How to Be a Poet."

It is a curse, not to grow old, but to grow up.

We can all be poets in how we live our lives.

We all start as poets, it's just that sometimes we forget.

Watch a child in nature--she is the truest poet. 

Learn and remember.

Leave your screens and your wires. Breathe the fresh air and feel the grass.

May you ever grow old, but never grow up.

• Reflection title: The Child Poet
• Creative inspiration: Wendell Berry, "How to Be a Poet"
• Reflection Question: Let me remember to be a poet today by writing my poem here and now. 

February: On Life

February 11

Today's reflection was inspired by a quote from the little piece of paper at the end of the tea bag--specifically from Yogi Tea (no affiliation to this podcast or me, I just like the tea).

Beyond the tenuous structure of routine that we build into our days, life is filled to bursting with the unknown. You have your expectations of how your day and life will go, but anything could happen—anything. Your day could benignly go exactly as you planned, but more often than not, it won’t. Want to make God laugh? Tell him your plans, as the saying goes.

But if stepping into the unknown of a new day means your day could go horribly wrong, doesn't it stand that it could also go exceedingly well?

Despite the negativity bias we carry as humans, this is the truth of it. 

Anything could happen at any time--bad, neutral, or good.

So when things inevitably steer into the unknown, do your best to step into the dark not with paralyzing fear, but with grace, because anything can happen.

• Reflection title: The Good, the Bad, the Anything
• Creative inspiration: Yogi Tea
• Reflection Question: What is unknown in my life right now? How can I enter it with grace rather than turn from it in fear?

February: On Life

February 10

Today's reflection was inspired by a quote from the anime/manga Demon Slayer.

There is growing evidence that some of the trauma we carry with us may have been passed down to us from our ancestors, and that we may pass our trauma down to the generations to come. 

We are all connected--here in the present, and to those in the past and future.

So we can also inherit and pass down ideas and causes.

Let's make sure what we're passing on to the generations to come will help build toward a brighter future for all.

• Reflection title: Echoes Through Time
• Creative inspiration: Demon Slayer
• Reflection Question: What cause or idea do I carry that is worthy of passing on to future generations?
  
  

February: On Life

February 9

Today's reflection was inspired by a quote from the anime/manga Kino's Journey.

We have grand and wonderful dreams and aspirations when we're young.

But then the realities of life storm in and our responsibilities grow and change.

Our dreams then shift and those of childhood are replaced. The destination changes, and we don't recognize where we are anymore.

But it's never too late to slow down, reflect, and ask yourself if this is really where you want to be. It's never too late to uncover your dreams and pursue them.

Will you?

• Reflection title: The Land of Dreams
• Creative inspiration: Keiichi Sigsawa, Kino's Journey
• Reflection Question: Thinking back to my youth, what was a dream I had that I gave up on? What steps can I take to get back on that path?

February: On Life

February 8

Today's reflection was inspired by another quote from Kurt Vonnegut's A Man Without a Country.

The act of creation is one of the best things we can do for ourselves, for our souls, for others, and for the world. 

It allows us to stretch, grow, and reflect.

And while creating, you needn't worry if what you are making is any good, you just need to do it. 

Sing, dance, write a poem--even if you're horrible at these things, because you'll get the wonderful reward of having created something. 

• Reflection title: Play God and Create Something Today
• Creative inspiration: Kurt Vonnegut, A Man Without a Country
• Reflection Question: What was the last thing I created? What will I create today?
  
  

February: On Life

February 7

Today's reflection was inspired by a quote from Maya Angelou’s poem/children’s book “Life Doesn’t Frighten Me.”

When you hear the words courage, bravery, and mettle, you might think of a superhero, a soldier, or a firefighter. 

You probably don’t imagine a child putting themself back to sleep in the middle of the night without getting Mom, or a child taking a deep breath at the top of a slide before going down, or a child stepping past the tree line into the woods after imagining all the ghouls and goblins that might be lurking in the dark.

But children are some of the bravest humans around, tackling a world of firsts each and every day. And it’s the seeds of bravery we have as children that grow into trees of courage, allowing us to do great things as adults.

What are you facing in life today that requires the bravery of a child?

• Reflection title: Who’s Afraid of Little Ole Life?
• Creative inspiration: Maya Angelou, “Life Doesn’t Frighten Me”
• Reflection Question: What am I facing in my life that requires the bravery of a child?

February: On Life

February 6

Today's reflection was inspired by a quote from the graphic novel Samurai Grandpa, by Eastin DeVerna (me!) and Shawn Daley.

Memento mori. 

That's the Stoic practice of reminding yourself each and every day that you will die. 

It is a great practice to fall into as it can help humble you and remind you not to waste your time while you are here. 

But you must be careful of falling into the trap of becoming obsessed with death or fearing it. 

And while this is important, equally important is the practice of reminding yourself each and every day that you are alive.

So remember you must die, but don't forget to live.

Memento vivere.

• Reflection title: The Dangers of Being a Necromancer
• Creative inspiration: Eastin DeVerna, Samurai Grandpa
• Reflection Question: Have I forgotten to live lately? What will I do today to remind myself that I’m alive?

February: On Life

February 5

Today's reflection was inspired by a quote from Dorothy West's short story "The Richer, The Poorer."

In your brief lifetime, and with your limited perspective, there is just so much that you do not know and will never know. That’s a good thing. We weren’t meant to process and retain infinite knowledge. 

But to live is to learn, and to learn is to live. You need to learn. It’s good for you. It’s what humans do. We get curious about something, and we learn about it.

We also need to be selective about what we learn.

What is worthwhile learning to you? What good will you do in the world with that knowledge?

• Reflection title: All I Know Is That I Don’t Know
• Creative inspiration: Dorothy West, "The Richer, The Poorer"
• Reflection Question: What will I learn today that will bring joy to my life and/or do good in the world?
  
  

February: On Life

February 4

Today's reflection was inspired by a quote from Joe Abercrombie's fantasy novel The Blade Itself.

The dance with Death begins the moment you’re born.

And despite the never-ending and creative ways the world could do you in, you're still alive. You're still here. 

So the next time you feel a little beat up by others, or worn down by the grind of modern life, please just take a moment—stop what you’re doing and mutter the words, “I am still alive.” 

Because while you’re still alive, you can do anything.

• Reflection title: Still Alive?
• Creative inspiration: Joe Abercrombie, The Blade Itself
• Reflection Question: I am still alive, so what will I do with this gift today?